Purim - Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center

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Purim

PJTC 2026 Purim Programming | Online Purim Resources

What is Purim?

Purim - The Feast of Lots - is a celebration of the saving of the Jewish people from a massacre in Persia (modern day Iran) during the period of 539-330BC. The heroine of the story is Esther, as told in her namesake scroll "The Book of Esther." She was a Jewish woman who rose to become the Queen of Persia (though most people were not aware she was Jewish, including the King). When the hateful grand vizier, Haman, plots the destruction of the Jewish people, Queen Esther's cousin and guardian, Mordecai, convinces her to use her power to help her Jewish brethren. Despite being scared for her own life, she bravely reveals her Jewish identity to her husband, King Ahashverosh, and asks him to support her and the Jewish people...and he does! Haman and his followers are punished in place of the Jews that they targeted.

What are the customs and traditions followed on Purim?

Baking Hamantaschen: In preparation for Purim, many people bake home made hamantashcen, a triangular-shaped and filled pastry that is reminiscent of the three-cornered hat the evil Haman wore in the story of Purim. See below for recipes! (And, there's no shame in buying professionally baked hamantaschen to enjoy...not everyone is a master chef.)

Megillah Reading: Reading the scroll of Esther in synagogue is the centerpiece of the Purim celebration. While most of the time, parents are hushing their children during services, during the Purim Megillah reading, raucous behavior is actually encouraged. Especially when those telling the story solicit all of the cheering (for Esther and "the good guys") and booing/noisemaking (for Haman and his minions) that have become a well-practiced part of the listening experience. To watch a video of our full 2022 Megillah reading, click here.

Purim Theatrics: Special reenactments of the story of Purim are often displayed for the entertainment of your little ones outside of synagogue. Watching older children and adults have fun and be silly pretending to be the well-known characters of Queen Esther and Haman is a great Purim pastime for children. Not only do the actors tend to dress up, but children take the opportunity to dress up as their favorite Purim characters too!...or Batman, Kobe Bryant, Rey from Star Wars, a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle...you know, other people who save the day, like Esther.

Groggers: A grogger (gragger in Yiddish, ra'ashan in Hebrew) is a noisemaker that is used to drown out Haman's name during the Megillah reading on Purim. It is a hand held item that is normally a rachet/spinning device or something hollow that's contents rattle when shaken.

Mishloach Manot: Purim is a holiday during which we focus on taking care of our community, just as Esther did for hers. Common practice is to create care packages filled with food for family, neighbors, friends and the poor to make sure everyone has food on their table. Tzedakah (Hebrew for "rightous giving" or "commanded giving," pronouced tzuh-DAH-kah) and Matanot l’evyonim (Hebrew for "gifts to the poor", pronounced mah-tah-NOTE leh-ehv-yon-EEM) are big themes of Purim, and in Judaism in general. What might you include in your Mishloach Manot basket? Hamantaschen are generally a staple, as well as fruit. But the fun of it is creating the basket that is uniquely from you or for your intended recipients. Maybe your circle prefers wine and cheese? Perhaps your audience is on the younger side and might like yummy snacks, groggers and masks?

Taanit Esther: (pronouced tah-ah-NEET EH-ster) Hebrew for "The Fast of Esther" - from sunrise to sunset on the day before Purim, we fast as did Esther and the Jewish people.

Se'udah: (pronouced seh-oo-DAH or SOO-dah) A festive meal is generally shared with family and friends, occasionally followed by (for the adults) alcoholic libations.

Attire: Purim is a festive holiday and people tend to dress, well, festive. It's a "let loose" kind of holiday that encourages a party atmosphere and fun costumes.

The Significance of Purim

Purim's core is a celebration of Esther's courage and her care for her community over her own safety, which saved the Jewish people in Persia from an evil plot to destroy them. We focus on the joy of knowing our people were saved. We focus on Esther as a role model for putting the care of your community first. And, we focus on the hope that this story gives us - that through the bravery of individuals and the will of God, everything will be alright in the end.

2026 PJTC Programming

Our Purim activities center around the 4 mitzvot of Purim (and FUN)!

Purim Se'udah (festive meal) & Kr'iat Megillah (Megillah reading)
Monday, March 2 at 6 PM Join PJTC for a community meal and Megillah reading. Enjoy the company and seeing the smiling faces of your fellow congregants as you eat a FREE kosher meat meal (with vegan option). Cocktails sponsored by Men's Club! (Please note that we will not be reading the whole megillah, but if you'd like to view a complete Megillah reading you can view our 2022 reading here! Contact PJTC's office for more information!

Mishloach Manot (giving gift baskets to friends and family)
Coming soon to your inbox if you haven't already received it—support Sisterhood and send greetings to congregants! Take part in the wonderful Purim tradition of Mishloach Manot! Send personal greetings, nourish friendships and connections within our PJTC community AND help raise funds for the good works of Sisterhood. A mitzvah, indeed! And it's as easy as completing a form through your email or paper form mailed to you. ORDER HERE! The deadline to order is end of day, February 20. If you'd like to help assemble Mishloach Manot packages and/or deliver any packages that weekend, please contact the office and ask to be put in touch with Haley Karish. (Members, you can also use the membership directory to find Haley's contact information!)

Matanot La'evyonim (charitable giving) & Purim Carnival
Sunday, March 1 The Purim Carnival is back and better than ever! Dress up in your favorite costume and come play games, bounce around on inflatables, and, of course, have a festive blast! While at the Carnival, you can also pick up mishloach manot (gifts and greetings) prepared by PJTC Sisterhood, drop off non-perishable food donations for matanot la'evyonim (charitable giving), and complete social justice projects!